An Earnest Warning, Given in Love
Across many backgrounds, cultures, and generations, a similar theme keeps surfacing through God’s people.
It comes through sermons and Scriptures.
Through dreams and visions.
Through near-death experiences and quiet personal encounters.
The details differ. The language differs.
But the tone is remarkably consistent.
Not panic.
Not spectacle.
Not timelines.
Urgency. Sobriety. Readiness.
Jesus framed it simply:
“What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch.” (Mark 13:37)
A Picture We All Understand
Imagine discovering that a specific model of vehicle has a serious defect.
The brakes fail.
Not immediately.
Not every time.
But eventually.
You own one of these vehicles.
You discover the problem in time.
You fix it.
Now imagine watching a family member climb into the same model of vehicle — unaware of the defect — and you say nothing.
You see thousands of these vehicles on the road.
Same make. Same model. Same fault.
But you don’t warn the drivers.
You don’t alert the dealership.
You don’t contact the manufacturer.
You think:
“Someone else will notice.”
“They’ll figure it out.”
“There will probably be a recall.”
So you sit back — informed, safe, silent.
At that point, the problem is no longer mechanical.
It has become moral.
Scripture names this clearly, without drama:
“If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin.” (James 4:17)
This Is Where the Parallel Becomes Uncomfortable
Many believers have discovered the fault.
Many have had their own lives “repaired.”
Many are grateful their vehicle now stops when it should.
But the road is still full of the same cars.
We say we believe Jesus is coming back.
But we live as though there is plenty of time.
Jesus warned that this mindset would creep in:
“My master is taking a long time in coming,” says the servant who then becomes careless. (Matthew 24:48, paraphrased)
The issue isn’t disbelief.
It’s delay.
What the Warnings Are — and Are Not
The recurring message coming through God’s people is not:
“Crash is imminent — panic.”
It is:
“There is a fault. Time matters. Act accordingly.”
Scripture explains the reason for the delay:
“The Lord is not slow… He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Patience is not denial.
Delay is not permission.
Why This Still Matters
Love warns.
Silence doesn’t.
Ezekiel described the watchman’s role in terms that still apply:
“If the watchman sees danger coming and does not blow the trumpet…” (Ezekiel 33:6, summarized)
The warning isn’t the danger.
The warning is the mercy.
A Quiet Question for Each of Us
If we truly believe what we say we believe…
Why are we so calm about faulty brakes?
Why are we comfortable sharing roads without warnings?
Why are we waiting for a recall when we already know?
Jesus’ closing question still lingers:
“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
This is not a message of fear.
It is a message of responsibility.
Not panic.
Not condemnation.
Just awareness —
and the courage to speak when silence would be easier.